NBA forward and notorious headcase Matt Barnes drove 95 miles from Grizzlies training camp to “beat the s**t” out of Knicks Coach Derek Fisher after discovering that Fisher is dating Barnes’ estranged wife, according to multiple reports. Fisher emerged from the fight with “a few scratches.”

Barnes’ wife, Gloria Govan, starred on the show Basketball Wives.

The NBA plans to probe the incident between Barnes and Fisher, who divorced his own wife after 10 years of marriage last spring.

Derek Fisher has agreed to replace Mike Woodson as the next head coach of the Knicks, according to multiple sources. The two sides are currently finalizing a 5 year, $25 Million deal which is expected to be completed shortly. Kurt Rambis is likely to be on the staff as an assistant coach; Fisher and Phil Jackson will begin assembling a staff once the deal is complete.

The Knicks have intensified their pursuit of 39 year-old Derek Fisher and are looking to hire him as their head coach this week. Fisher won 5 championships under Knicks President Phil Jackson during his playing career, the end of which he is expected to announce shortly. ESPN’s Marc Stein was the first to report the news on Fisher. Fisher is the all-time record holder in playoff games played and is considered a strong leader both on and off the court. Fisher served as the president of the NBA Players Association from 2006 to 2013.

Jackson has reportedly only shown interest in inexperienced coaches with whom he has a prior relationship, including Steve Kerr, who Jackson thought he had landed before the Golden State job opened up and Kerr took a deal with the Warriors. Fisher fits what Jackson is looking for: Smart, responsible, young (for a coach), a Jackson pupil, and somebody well-acquainted with Jackson’s “Triangle Offense”. Jackson reportedly plans on being very involved in the coaching of this year’s team even though he will not be taking the job for himself, so whichever coach Phil hires will certainly be running things the way the 13-time NBA champion wants them to be run.

I think Fisher would be a solid hire, and since he will be guided by arguably the greatest coach in the game’s history if he takes the job, the Knicks should have some newfound structure on the court this coming season. Everybody thought the Kerr deal was wrapped up, so there’s obviously no guarantee that Jackson will be able to reel Fisher in. But with New York’s main competition, the LA Lakers, reportedly dropping their pursuit of Fisher, expect the longtime point guard to be announced as the Knicks’ coach before too long.

As you may have heard, the Knicks need a coach. Phil Jackson’s top target, Steve Kerr, recently took a job with the Warriors, leaving the Zen Master hanging. So who will the Knicks turn to next? Here is a breakdown of the candidates who have been linked to the Knicks in some way over the past few months, as well as some other guys who could conceivably enter the picture.

The Big Names

Jeff Van Gundy

WHY: Had success coaching the Knicks in the 90s, well-respected in the league, would be a very popular hire.

WHY NOT: Has never worked with Phil, no reports indicate that Jackson is considering bringing him aboard.

Mark Jackson

WHY: Former Knicks star would be welcomed at MSG, did a solid job coaching the Warriors, still young enough to adjust to Phil. Has reportedly been added to Phil’s list as a candidate. Melo reportedly would like to play for him.

WHY NOT: Has never worked with Phil, doesn’t run the Triangle (yet), has a job with ESPN, reportedly clashed with management in Golden State.

George Karl

WHY: Was the Coach of the Year in 2013 before being fired by Denver, has won over 1,000 games.

WHY NOT: Has blasted the Knicks publicly in recent years, his arrival would almost certainly send Carmelo Anthony elsewhere.

Tom Thibodeau

WHY: Considered one of the game’s elite coaches, would transform the Knicks defensively, bring an instant culture change.

WHY NOT: Under contract with Chicago; the Knicks would likely have to provide draft pick or player compensation to the Bulls.

Lionel Hollins

WHY: Led Memphis to the Western Conference Finals in 2013.

WHY NOT: Seems to have a weak reputation in coaching circles despite his success.

Doc Rivers:

WHY: One of the best leaders in the league, a creative mind with the clipboard . Could leave LA in wake of Sterling scandal.

WHY NOT: With Sterling likely on the way out, he’s probably not going anywhere.

Phil Jackson

WHY: The most decorated coach in NBA history, instantly brings legitimacy to the team. The job is his if he wants it.

WHY NOT: Has repeatedly said that he is done coaching, in part because of his health.

Jerry Sloan

WHY: Legendary coach who manned the helm for the Jazz for 22 years. Has been linked to the Knicks on occasion.

WHY NOT: Might not be interested in coaching again, and probably wouldn’t make any adjustments for Phil.

John Calipari

WHY: One of the most successful coaches in the NCAA.

WHY NOT: Seems unlikely to ditch his comfortable position in Kentucky for the NBA.

The Triangle Guys

Brian Shaw

WHY: Deep knowledge of the Triangle, did a solid job in Denver, might be interested in working for his old coach.

WHY NOT: Under contract in Denver (although they might let him out), not the flashiest name.

Derek Fisher

WHY: Has led championship teams on the court running the triangle and has more formal leadership experience as the former head of the NBAPA. One of Jackson’s best Triangle pupils, will retire at the end of the season.

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